Common Oregano

The most common form of oregano is called the Origanum vulgare, but it comes in several different varieties. The most well-known variety is the Greek oregano, which can also be called a true oregano, even though Italian oregano also goes by this name. Familiar to most people because it is frequently used in tomato sauces and on pizzas, these types of oregano grow very well outdoors, especially if you live in zones 5 to 10 and you plant them in a sunny spot with soil that drains well.

Other types of common oregano include:

Golden oregano: edible and has foliage that is a beautiful shade of gold

Marjoram: similar in taste to Greek oregano, but is a little less mild and less spicy; it is also used in recipes from the Middle East and Southern Europe

Syrian oregano: mostly used in a Middle Eastern spice mixture called za’atar, which also contains sesame seeds and ground sumac

Cuban Oregano

A member of the mint family, Cuban oregano has thick, fuzzy leaves and a very strong, but pleasant odor. It is saw-toothed at the edges of the leaves, and its flowers can be pink, lavender, or white. The plants themselves grow up to 18 inches tall, but they should never be left in full sun because they may burn. Some people grow Cuban oregano as a house plant, but it is delicious when used to flavor pizzas and a host of other Mediterranean dishes. Because of its strong flavor, it is recommended that you use lower quantities of this herb than you do other types of oregano, although its taste is just as good.

Greek Oregano

If you love spaghetti or Mediterranean dishes, you likely use Greek oregano to cook it. In fact, Greek oregano is one of the most common types of oregano, and you may have it in your cupboard without even realizing it. Greek oregano has a pungent flavor and is a useful herb for dozens of dishes, and if you’d like to grow it, it does best in zones 5-11. The Greek oregano plant has white flowers and fuzzy leaves, and it doesn’t grow as aggressively as the standard, common oregano. Most oregano, however, is very easy to grow and produces a lot of plants for the money you spend on it.

Italian Oregano

Italian oregano is a hybrid of sweet marjoram and common oregano. It does very well in growing zones six through nine, and the plant itself has off-white flower spikes and very delicate, light-green leaves. It has a flavor that resembles both Greek oregano and sweet marjoram, and you can use it for dozens of dishes. This includes fried vegetables such as eggplant, tomato sauces, and various types of grilled meat. In fact, along with basil, nearly all Italian dishes have Italian oregano in them, giving these dishes a very distinct taste.

Mexican Bush Oregano

Native to Mexico, the Mexican Bush oregano grows well in hot, dry areas in the U.S., most notably Texas. It isn’t a lot like your typical oregano plant, but it has beautiful purple flowers that both smell terrific and can survive in harsh conditions. It grows differently in different areas of the country, but it does best in growing zones 7b through 8a, as well as zone 11. It is also called Mexican sage or rosemary mint, and it is a member of the mint family.

Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano is not a member of the same genus that other oreganos are, but many cooks and gardeners still grow and use them quite often. They are not as sturdy as a true oregano plant, but it makes a great addition to any herb garden. In zones 9b through 11, it grows as an evergreen perennial, while it grows back in the spring after dying out in the wintertime if you’re in zones 8b to 9a. If you live in a warm climate and have an herb garden, its flowers are very ornamental and make the garden look more attractive. Mexican oregano is used frequently in various Mexican dishes, and it has a very strong flavor and aroma, especially when crushed.

Ornamental Oregano

Some oregano plants are used not for cooking, but for ornamental uses only. This includes:

Hop-flower oregano, which is hardy to zone 4b and has lavender bracts that resemble hop-flowers; it is also perfect for landscaping purposes

Heiderose oregano, which has pink flowers and can get up to three feet in height

Compactum oregano, which has dark-green leaves and is perfect for use as groundcovers

Aureum oregano, which has yellow leaves and is a groundcover that you can also use to cook with

Kent Beauty, which has tiny flowers, but beautiful, large bracts; they overlap and look similar to crepe paper designs

Pilgrim oregano, an upright plant that has rosy-pink flowers

Amethyst Falls oregano, with its purple bracts, hot-pink flowers, and its cascading shape

Reasons to Cook with Oregano

In addition to spicing up food for more flavor, like many herbs, oregano offers various additional benefits.

It Can Help You Stay Healthier

There are a lot of health benefits to eating oregano on a regular basis, but one of the main benefits is that it can actually kill bacteria. In fact, many studies have shown that it is effective against 23 different types of bacteria, meaning you can get rid of the bacteria that causes many of the infections people get nowadays. In fact, oregano is second only to thyme when it comes to its bacteria-killing properties, so load up on this amazing herb.

It Can Help Reduce Inflammation

When you’re hurt or injured, inflammation can result, which is both painful and inconvenient. Because of the antioxidants and other ingredients in oregano, it can actually reduce the amount of inflammation you’re experiencing, and it can help you with diabetes, heart conditions, and certain autoimmune conditions. Even inflamed colons were reduced and eased in lab tests with the use of oregano.

It Is Very High in Vitamins

Oregano has a high quantity of vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as iron, fiber, magnesium, folate, potassium, and calcium. In other words, it is very healthy for you!

Making the Cooking Process Healthier

Because of the way many foods are cooked, even healthy foods can be made more dangerous to your health because the cooking process itself can create toxic compounds that are dangerous for you. If you sprinkle your foods with oregano while you’re cooking, especially foods such as meat, a lot of those toxic compounds can be either eliminated or reduced.

The Magic of Essential Oil

Yes, oregano is now made into an essential oil, and this oil offers tremendous health benefits. This includes help with respiratory ailments such as colds and flu, and it can even help build up your immune system. It also helps with sinus congestion, digestive problems, and many types of upper-respiratory ailments. And adding it to your daily routine is a lot easier than you think. All you have to do is add three drops of it to a glass of orange juice, or place it under your tongue, and that should be enough to keep you healthy. Oregano essential oil can be found in most health food stores and online.

You Can Also Use it Topically

Oregano essential oil can also be used topically, because most brands have already diluted it with a carrier oil. If you have swollen lymph nodes, an ear infection, or even a sore throat, just rub the oil onto the affected area a few times a day for up to five days, and you should see some relief in no time. You can also try it for muscle pain, viral and fungal infections such as warts and nail fungus, and even look for toothpaste containing oregano should you have mouth sores or toothaches.

Hair Problems, Anyone?

Oregano essential oil can also help with problems related to your hair. It can get rid of dandruff, heal irritated scalps, stimulate hair growth, and make your hair softer and shinier. Just apply it directly to your scalp before you wash your hair, and you can also take it in capsule form if you don’t want to ingest it orally. In fact, since oregano can be purchased and consumed fresh or in oil and capsule form, it is easier than ever to use it for a variety of health conditions.

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